Tire store theft sting nets four arrests

FOUR people have been charged after Winnipeg police launched an investigation into several break-ins and thefts targeting tire retailers in the city.

Between Sept. 12 and 29, officers responded to multiple commercial break-ins resulting in estimated losses of between $50,000 and $60,000, the Winnipeg Police Service said in a news release.

During that time, retail stores on the 1600 block of Kenaston Boulevard and the 800 block of Leila Avenue also reported theft of merchandise valued at approximately $3,250 combined.

On the evening of Sept. 26, one of the suspects used false identification to rent a truck from a commercial rental company.

On Sept. 27, at approximately 3 a.m., officers responded to a commercial break and enter on the 300 block of Oak Point Highway and found the rental truck being loaded with stolen property.

As police approached, some suspects fled on foot while the truck sped off, police said. The truck was later recovered abandoned near Cathedral Avenue and Parr Street.

The major crimes unit assumed responsibility for the investigations and identified four suspects believed to be involved.

On Oct. 3 at 9:08 a.m., investigators, along with the tactical support team, executed a search warrant at a home in the Mandalay West area of Winnipeg. All four suspects were found inside the home and taken into custody.

Several of the suspects were under court orders that prohibited contact with one another and from being at businesses targeted during the alleged crime spree.

The men, who are between the ages of 34 and 39, face several charges including breaking and entering, fleeing from officers and possession of property obtained by crime.

All four remain in custody.